What Is Seitei Iaido?

• Seitei Iaidō (制定居合道), also called Zen Ken Ren Iaidō, is a standardised set of sword forms.

• The forms were created by the All Japan Kendo Federation (ZNKR) to unify and modernise iaidō practice across Japan.

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Why It Was Created

• To provide a common curriculum for practitioners of different iaidō schools

• To provide structure and support to gradings, seminars, and competitions within the ZNKR framework

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Where It Came From

Seitei Iaidō is not a historical school by itself. It is a curated system built from the techniques of classical koryū, primarily:

• Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu (MJER)

• Muso Shinden-ryu (MSR)

Additional influence came indirectly from other ryu through the teachers who served on the ZNKR committee.

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Governance in the UK

The British Kendo Association (BKA)

• The BKA is the national governing body in the UK for Kendo, Iaido, and Jodo.

• It is a non-profit organisation, founded in 1964.

• It is formally recognised by major international bodies, including the Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei (ZNKR) and the International Kendo Federation.

Iaido-Specific Role

• The BKA’s Iaido Bu (Iaido division) oversees Iaido practice, grading, seminars, and risk management in the UK. It also provides certificated coaching course to ensure instructor competent instructors

Why the BKA Matters

• Legitimacy: Because it is recognised by the principal Japanese and international bodies, grades (Dans) awarded by the BKA are internationally acknowledged.

• Safety & Insurance: By being a BKA member, practitioners are insured for training, competitions, and travel (when on official BKA business).

• Community & Resources: It provides structure for dojos, coaching, gradings, and national-level events.

• Quality Assurance: Through its Bu structure and coaching system, the BKA helps maintain quality in teaching and grading.